Eric Clapton leads musical farewell at Jack Bruce’s funeral

Eric Clapton led a musical tribute to Jack Bruce at his former Cream bandmate’s funeral in North London earlier today, singing the Beatles‘ ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ with help from the friends and family who were in attendance.

Bruce, who passed away on Oct. 25 as a result of liver disease, was also mourned by Cream drummer Ginger Baker, band lyricist Pete Brown, Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera, Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid and Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker.

In addition to the Beatles song, the Western Morning News reports the attendees also sang Cat Stevens‘ ‘Morning Has Broken’ and Bruce’s own ‘Theme From an Imaginary Western.’ Other music from Clapton — presumably including the tribute song ‘For Jack,’ which the guitarist released shortly after Bruce’s death — was played over speakers at the event. The decorations included one of Bruce’s bass guitars, as well as flowers in the shape of the bass clef motif.

Together with Clapton and Baker, Bruce created one of the earliest and most important supergroups in rock history with Cream, famous for songs such as ‘White Room,’ ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ and ‘I Feel Free.’ After the group’s breakup in 1968, Bruce pursued a solo career as well as collaborative projects and tours with artists like Ringo Starr and Leslie West. His most recent album, ‘Silver Rails,’ came out earlier this year.